Independent Liberal Member for Alfred Cove Dr Janet Woollard and Patron of Melville Cares (Inc.), Councillor June Barton, organised a special morning tea for volunteers and staff of Melville Cares on Tuesday, 7 April 2009, to recognise the organisation’s outstanding work in caring for seniors, people with special needs and carers in the community. 

 Dr Woollard presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Mr Richard Hill, Chairman of the Melville Cares’ Board.

 “The volunteers and staff of Melville Cares deserve this special recognition for their dedication and commitment to improving the lives of those in need in our community,” said Dr Woollard.

 “The organisation’s programmes and services have been instrumental in ensuring that the needs of the elderly who are ill or alone and people with disabilities are taken care of.  They help their clients to stay active and connected with the wider community and further improve their quality of lives.”

 A husband-and-wife volunteer team, Myls and Yvonne Reid, were also given special recognition at the morning tea for more than 30-years of joint-service with Melville Cares. 

 Residents of Bull Creek, Myls and Yvonne are part of the corps of volunteers who regularly visit and befriend the elderly who live alone in the community.  They were presented with a special Certificate of Appreciation by Councillor Barton for their work.

 “Myls and Yvonne embody the spirit of Melville Cares, which is about people in the community caring for others within the community,” said Cr Barton.

 “Their selflessness has brought joy to many who would otherwise have been alone,” said Cr Barton.

 Councillor Barton was instrumental in the establishment of Melville Cares 25 years ago, where she helped to obtain funds to enable to hiring of its first full-time employee.  The home of Melville Cares in Hammad Street, Palmyra is named after Cr Barton.

“Recognition of the excellent work performed in the community by our volunteers and paid staff cannot be overstated,” said Mr Richard Foster, Chief Executive Officer of Melville Cares.

 “To receive this acknowledgement and recognition from outside the organisation, adds value to what we do and those who do it; and for this, we are greatly appreciative of today’s celebrations,” added Mr Foster.

 Almost 40 volunteers and staff of Melville Cares were present at the morning tea.

About Melville Cares

Melville Cares is an independent community-based organisation which provides home and centre based support services for the frail aged, younger people with disabilities and carers in the community.  The organisation has 2,000 clients, where it provides more than 31,000 hours of home-based services, over 33,000 hours of centre-based services and over 45,000 transport trips in 2007-2008. More information about Melville Cares can be found on www.melvillecares.org.au.